Talk:Miniatures - Catalyst Game Labs

Intro Box Sculpt Comparisons

2011 Box Set in comparison to 2007 Box Set

Photographs of both the Classic Battletech Introductory Box Set and the 25th Anniversary Introductory Box Set suggest that both series used the same sculpts, but it unclear whether the same plastics were used for both. There are some indications that suggest that the 2011 boxed set may have used a different plastic or an improved molding process in comparison to 2007. However, there are similar comparisons made regarding the boxed sets from 2013 and 2011, so it is possible that there may be some conflation of these reports. Any information that could clarify in what ways the models were equivalent, similar, or different may be helpful to include. So conclusive documentation or citations regarding this would be helpful. --Dude RB (talk) 09:18, 2 June 2021 (EDT)

2013 Box Set and Alpha Strike Lance Packs in comparison to earlier box sets

The box set from 2013 and Alpha Strike Packs did use revised sculpts in comparison to what was used before. Specifically, there were the following three changes.

• Change of bases. Bases in 2013/2014 figures (i) had a smooth, flat top, (ii) had uniform height for each mech, and (iii) had a number molded on hte underside. Bases prior (i) had a textured top, (ii) had heights that depended on the mech, and (iii) did not have a number molded on the underside.
• Some details were changed. Actually many features and details (like panel lines) are similar enough that it is clear that the later models are a revision of the prior models but not a remake from scratch. However there are some differences. Five of the prior figures had multiple parts, while those produced for 2014 lance packs were one part each. A comparison of those does reveal some different details as well. Also some minor localized changes (such as in the number of missle ports) do appear under careful inspection.
• Generally improved molding process. The later models generally exhibited less flash and tended to capture certain details better.

I can (and plan to) add some photo comparisons showing some of these. [I do own some figures from the Alpha Strike Lance Packs and from the earlier two box sets(2007 and/or 2011) that permit such comparisons. As the latter were obtained secondhand (and in separate lots) it is unclear whether they originate from the 2007 or 2011 sets. So an understanding of the relation between the 2007 and 2011 box sets miniatures could become relevant to this comparison.] --Dude RB (talk)

Origins of the Plastics

Here's some relevant info from the "Ask the Line Developer" forum: How Were the New Plastic Lance Pack Minis Created? The (Metal) Beginner's Set miniatures were used as masters to create the plastics in the boxed sets.

Superb! I recall hearing sometime ago that the new plastic miniatures (from the 2013 box set and lance packs) were based on Iron Wind Metals sculpts in some fashion, but I could not retrace where I heard such. This gives good and supported details to incorporate. --Dude RB (talk) 20:43, 5 June 2021 (EDT)

Since they were all based on the same masters, the different number of missile ports on the Cyclops was a result of the low quality of the casting/plastic. --Cache (talk) 16:18, 6 June 2021 (EDT)

This explains why a lot of the details are degraded versions of the newer sculpts (i.e., the finer indentations/details are smoothed out, such as in the missile ports on the Catapult.) FYI: Some of the issues with the Cyclops may be related but of a slightly different sort. It actually appears that portions were omitted (when comparing the older mini to the newer mini). Specifically the lower left torso appears as it were `shaved off', which is why it has two less ports. Also the the top of the backpack appears compressed or cut off (yet certain details still appear on its top). There also appears to be some mold slip/misalignment between the front and back halves (the back half is raised relative to the front). So a mold/cast slip may explain such, or it may be a combination of mold slip along with someone doing some elementary clean-up when making the molds for the older plastics. (Or it may simply be something unique about how the casts were used to form molds for the 2007/2011 plastics.) In any case, understanding that the 2013-2015 minis are more faithful representations of the IWM masters does explain a lot. --Dude RB (talk) 10:22, 7 June 2021 (EDT)

28mm miniatures?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GANRLZtIg0M What's your take on this apparent development? My wallet started whimpering when I came across this video a couple of days ago. Even though they are unlikely to be available until next year, at the earliest. Echo Mirage (talk) 19:20, 9 May 2022 (EDT)

Interesting.... From a wiki point-of-view, we will simply have to wait and see. Until it is an official product or there is something more official it is hard to say that much. Also if it did become official, an interesting detail would be the company doing so. Various larger scale miniatures have been produced before, for example by Armorcast and Muesum Scale miniature by Ral Partha and Iron Wind Metals. For example, you may appreciate http://timdp.members.sonic.net/battletech/. --Dude RB (talk) 21:09, 10 May 2022 (EDT)

Saw your reply just now, thanks! Echo Mirage (talk) 15:37, 18 May 2022 (EDT)

There is no development. CGL specifically stated those were printed for fun.--Cache (talk) 11:22, 19 May 2022 (EDT)

That is a pity. :( Echo Mirage (talk) 13:37, 20 May 2022 (EDT)

Timber Wolf model

Isn't the Timber Wolf model found in the Clan Invasion box set the same as the one found in the Alpha Strike Box Set, the Prime? --Sans (talk) 09:28, 9 February 2023 (EST)

I think that that is correct. It shares the same base number as that used in BattleTech: Clan Invasion. Also the Alpha Strike Boxed Set advertises itself as including two new miniatures and seven new variants/poses of prior ones. I suspect that the ones with the base numbers a1-a9 in Miniatures - Catalyst Game Labs#BattleTech: Alpha Strike correspond to these new ones. The ones with regular numbers (Nova, Phoenix Hawk, Timber Wolf, and Warhammer) would seem to correspond to models that previously appeared. This is not a 100% confirmation, but it would seem to strongly indicate that that is the case. --Dude RB (talk) 20:00, 9 February 2023 (EST)